Islam
In some countries of the Middle East, political Islam has become a major political force. This is good news as it can help the region's growth. With hundreds of millions of members and an enormous mobilizing capacity, the Muslim Brotherhood was once one of the most influential groups in the region. It is difficult to predict how instability will continue in the Middle East, since many countries in this region have been experiencing instability in recent decades.
Faksh contributes to the growing literature on Muslim fundamentalism by analyzing the rise of fundamentalist groups in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria. He regards Islamism as the biggest challenge facing the world.
Christianity
About 10-15 million Middle East Christians are indigenous to the region, the majority of them living in the Arab World. These Christians are now under increasing threat from religious extremism. Some countries, like Lebanon, have seen a dramatic decline in Christian population, especially since the 1970s. These changes can also be attributed to low birth rates and increased immigration as well as wars.
Although Christians made up 12.7% in the area's population in 1900 they now make up only a fifth. They will make up only 3% in 2050 of the total population. This will make the Muslim population the majority of the region.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a religion which is widely practiced in Iran, Iraq and elsewhere. It is a Gnostic religion and has a dualistic view of the world. Its followers revere the prophets Adam and Seth and reject Abraham. They believe Adam and his descendents were the sons or god. Mandaeans also believe there are two worlds, one for light and one for darkness.
Since thousands of years, the Mandaean population has been under persecution. They are a minority in an Islamic society, and have long been treated like second class citizens. They are sometimes recognized for their skills, crafts, knowledge of science, and medicine, but they are frequently treated like infidels. Because of this, they are often targets for attacks, rape and looting.
Maronite religion
Maronite faith in the Middle East has roots from Syria and Lebanon. Its ideals are influenced by the monastic tradition, and the history of retreating into the mountains. Its early believers included hermits such as St. Maron who lived in the mountains close to Antioch. His fame spread throughout the region. Many of his followers became hermits. These people became Maronite Christians when they built monasteries.
In addition, the Maronite Church has embraced the traditional tradition of preparing an offering before mass. This preparation table is normally located just to the right from the main altar. It is the beginning of the preparation. During this time the priest will offer a confession to the altar and pray for the priest's spiritual support.
Sunni Shiite Islam
Sunnis are more religiously orthodox than Shiites. They believe in the Mahdi or end-times leader that will bring justice and peace. Shiites wait for this event, while Sunni Muslims look at it in a broader context. Sunni Muslims are often claimed to be the Mahdi by many, including the Sudanese ruler Muhammad Mahdi (1844-1885), Mirza Ghulam Ahmad from India and Pakistan.
The consensus view is that the conflict is within Islam. Since the Islamic Prophet Muhammad died, there has been rivalry between the two groups. It seems that the conflict is best explained using the notion of ancient tribal hatreds. However, this view does not account enough for the Middle East's diversity.